10 Tips on Surviving a Group Holiday

Most of us dream of travelling with that one special person or that group of friends.Talking about all the things and places we’re going to do is one thing, but actually organizing the adventure is another.

Take it from me: 1 foreign country, 2 weeks, 5 families, 5 mothers, 20 crazy teenagers and a whole lot of fighting.

Don’t get me wrong, it was the most amazing experience, but it’s definitely something you need to be prepared for.

So here are a few tips that got me through this wild experience:

1. DISCUSS YOUR DESTINATIONS

Being such a big group, everyone has their personal preference of where they’d like to go or what they would like to do. Discussing these places, having votes, and allowing everyone to have their say allows for happy campers and a better holiday.

2. PICK YOUR PLANE BUDDY WISELY

You need to have someone who is on the same wavelength as you. If it’s time to sleep, then it’s time to keep quiet. If it’s time to have a deep and meaningful chat, then it’s time to have all ears open. Don’t choose someone who is going to watch Prison Break whilst you’re trying to discuss how awkward it’s going to be that one of the people on this holiday is your ex boyfriend. #SENDHELP

3. PACK HEADPHONES

Oh, the beauty of headphones! How they’ve saved my life.  These will be your saving grace when everyone is talking and screaming over each other, or your mother is yelling at you for not being responsible for almost losing your passport isn’t something you want to hear. Sometimes you need to just zone the hell out and listen to some Shaggy. He’ll mellow you out.

4. HAVE A WHATSAPP GROUP

Having a Whatsapp group is the best way to communicate! Being with so many people, we weren’t always together all the time. Whatsapp is free and an easy way to let everyone know where you are. It’s also a quick and easy way to send photos of you eating Hagen Daz ice cream to everyone and without having to offer them any.

5. HIDE YOUR CHOCOLATE

Make sure if you buy goodies, hide them. I tell you now: bury that chocolate, wrap them in your clothes, put them in your suitcase, or put them under your pillow. The amount of times people have come into my room and eaten all my goodies is astronomical. No one cares who’s chocolate that is. If they see it, they are going to eat it. Sharing is caring? Yeah, not in this case.

6. ALLOW ALONE TIME

Sometimes being with so many people all the time is a little overwhelming. Especially when you’re not used to it. Lucky for me, it’s something that I’ve experienced, but it does get to be a little much sometimes. Grab a book, or grab your earphones and go lay next to the pool, or chill on your balcony porch, and just do you. Do you, booboo.

7. KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Just because everyone wants to do something, doesn’t mean you have to do it. Don’t get me wrong; I’m probably one of the most daring people ever. But when it comes to haunted houses, faces, and people coming out from behind scaring you, yeah I’m out. Goodbye. Peace. Don’t feel peer pressured! This brings me to my next point.

8. BE DARING

Knowing your limits is a good thing, but it’s also an amazing thing to try a new experience! Be a risk-taker and go all out. Trust me, it’s even better when you have a support team cheering you on when you’re jet-skiing through a sea of jellyfish.

9. LEARN HOW TO SWIM

If there is one thing I’d suggest to people going on a holiday with boys is learn how to swim. They’ll use any opportunity to chuck you in the water, wrestle you in the water, or even try to drown you in the water. Luckily I’ve been swimming since the age of 1. I got this! It’s also just a great skill to have, especially if you’re travelling somewhere tropical.

10. RELAX, AND JUST ENJOY YOURSELF NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO RIP EVERYONE’S HAIR OUT

Last, but certainly not least, remember no matter how hectic it gets, at the end of the day it’s probably going to be one of the best travel experiences you’ll ever have. You’re going to have so many memories to look back on, and you’re going to want them to be positive. So just have fun with it!